A rave review for symphony

Ralph Vaughan Williams is one of those composers who is recognized for a few works that get performed a lot while other very good works are neglected.

His Third Symphony has long been a favourite of mine. I had never heard it live until this weekend’s performance by the Edmonton Symphony. Evocative of the occasional silences of the battlefields of First World War France, the piece received a committed performance by the ESO and conductor Jayce Ogren.

Particularly moving were solos on- and offstage by principal trumpet Robin Doyon and principal horn Allene Hackleman, as well as beautiful chorale work by the low brass.

Thank you, ESO, for presenting this wonderful symphony, and please consider giving us more music by Vaughan Williams.

Michael Eastep, Calgary